Public Hearing - Consider an Ordinance Amending City Code Section 117-118 Entitled 'The COR District'

In August of 2011, the City Council approved an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan that created a new development plan for The COR (formerly the Ramsey Town Center Master Plan).  The Comprehensive Plan serves as the foundation for land use decisions in the City, and the City must update its official controls (Zoning Ordinance) to implement the plan.  Before the Planning Commission this evening is a proposed ordinance to consider amendments to City Code Section 117-118 entitled The COR.  In addition, said section also adopts the Ramsey Town Center Design Guidelines (now named The COR Design Framework) by reference.  Also before the Planning Commission this evening is a revision to the original Design Guidelines.

In accordance with State Statute and City Code, the Public Hearing Notification was properly advertised in the Anoka County Union.

As the Planning Commission may recall, this topic was discussed in a Planning Commission Work Session in December.  The topic was also discussed with City Council in December as well.  The revisions attempt to maintain the pedestrian friendly environment, while including allowances for more traditional suburban retail to improve the mix of land uses to match current market conditions.  The intent is to provide a land use plan that will help support a more traditional downtown feel in the center of the development.  The framework for zoning standards is also a deviation from traditional zoning structure, focusing on the form and function of each street rather than focusing on a single zoning district.

The intent is to include bulk standards for the development within the Design Framework. The Zoning Code itself shall serve as direction for permitted uses and review procedures. Bulk Standards have been designed based on a street hierarchy to define 'build-to lines', pedestrian circulation (sidewalks), streetscape (landscape), and street design in a consolidated location. The Design Framework will better illustrate the interaction of the building with the street. Finally, the revised Design Framework also gives consideration to incorporating certain standards from private covenants that had previously been reviewed by an architectural review committee of the private association, which appears is no longer active in terms of architectural review.

Additional language has been developed regarding the streetscape/landscape element of the Design Framework. The intent was to emphasize both function and form. While landscaping can enhance any development, for it to be successful and attractive, the biological needs must be incorporated into the design at the outset to provide a habitable growing environment for the landscaping, which is what this language attempts to accomplish.

In addition, concern was raised at the Planning Commission Work Session regarding pedestrian safety and street design in the COR-2b area.  The Design Framework attempts to give additional consideration to internal pedestrian circulation and safety.  The Design Framework also includes language requiring certain elements such as bike racks near the entrance of buildings internal to the site as a private site improvement.  Furthermore, the City is in the process of plan design for the realignment of Sunwood Drive, which shall include a round-a-bout.  As part of that design, consideration will be given to appropriate pedestrian safety.  Staff is open to additional suggestions to enhance pedestrian safety and address parking needs in this retail area.

Finally, the ordinance amends the review process for The COR that will now follow the City's normal land use application review schedule, rather than additional site plan reviews previously required for this specific development.  Additionally, Staff would like direction from the Planning Commission as to the desire to repeat the bulk standards table in the Zoning Code text, or only in the Design Framework.

Amendments are being processed as part of regular Staff duties and budget for planning consultants for Design Framework revisions.

Staff recommends approval of the ordinance amending City Code Section 117-118 entitled The COR as well as The COR Design Framework.

Motion to recommend that the City Council adopt the ordinance amending City Code Section 117-118 entitled The COR as well as The COR Design Framework.